The Province is looking for applications for the 2013 Community Places Program, which will help revitalize communities and improve recreational opportunities in towns and cities throughout Manitoba.

“In 2012, more than 270 non-profit community groups were able to create or upgrade local recreational, wellness or cultural facilities for Manitoba families as a result of the Community Places grants,” said Selinger in a press release. “Gathering places such as seniors’ centres, playgrounds and hockey rinks play an important role in enhancing the quality of life families have come to enjoy in communities throughout the province.”

The Community Places Program provides funding and planning assistance to non-profit community organizations for facility construction, upgrading, expansion or acquisition projects. Eligible projects are those that provide sustainable recreation and wellness benefits to communities.

Eligible projects can receive up to 50 per cent of the first $15,000 of total project costs and up to one-third of costs over that amount; the maximum grant is $50,000. Applicants must also contribute to project costs through local fundraising, grants from local governments and other sources, or donated labour and materials.

Examples of Community Places Program projects approved in 2012 include: renovations to the Manitoba Farmers with Disabilities’ building in Elm Creek; kitchen renovations for the Waterhen Community Council; and support to the Oak Lake Beach Playground Committee for construction of a natural playground.

Since its inception, Community Places has provided more than $104.3 million in grants to support more than 6,815 community construction projects provincewide. These grants have leveraged an estimated $651.7 million in infrastructure improvements in both rural and urban communities. Community Places has provided funding and planning assistance for 10,706 applicants from non-profit community organizations.

Grant applications under the 2013 Community Places Program are now being accepted until Dec. 15. To receive a grant application or for more information, contact the Community Places Program office in Winnipeg at (204)945-0502 or 1-800-894-3777 toll free, email mcpp@gov.mb.ca or visit www.manitoba.ca/housing/cpp.